Head of OSCE Presence in Albania calls on country’s leaders to act constructively in wake of violence

TIRANA, 22 January 2011 – Ambassador Eugen Wollfarth, the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, urged the country’s leaders to act constructively and show leadership following violent clashes that claimed several lives.

“While the right to peaceful protest is essential to democratic governance, the maintenance of public order and the rule of law are equally necessary in order to preserve the rights of all citizens. The formal investigation into the violent events should be allowed to continue without any forms of interference,” Wollfarth said.

“Further hardening of the public political discourse – whether through the media or through organized mass public events planned for the next days and weeks – can only exacerbate an already tense situation. All national leaders, both in government and in opposition, should act constructively and show leadership in restoring public and political confidence so that the country again can focus on its national strategic goals.”